Microcirculation of the pancreas: A correlative study of intravital microscopy with scanning electron microscopy of vascular corrosion casts.

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Abstract
The microcirculation of the pancreas in anesthetized rats was examined by intravital microscopy. Scanning electron microscopic observation of vascular corrosion casts of the same parts of the pancreas as viewed light microscopically in vivo, allowed detailed analysis of microcirculation in particular vessels. Blood vessels with flowing blood cells were clearly observed under incident UV illumination following systemic injection of an intravascular fluorescent tracer. The islets of Langerhans were easily identified by their brighter appearance than the exocrine portions under incident UV illumination. Blood leaving the islets passed through the insulo-acinar portal vessels into the capillary network around the acini. The periductular plexus received blood from the periacinar capillary network via either venules or capillaries as well as directly from the inter- or intralobular arteries. The periductular plexus also received blood from the islets located close to the ductules. The results obtained show blood in the pancreas flowing in a manner in which it carries insular secretions in high concentrations through short and direct vascular routes from the islets to the pancreatic exocrine tissues, including their duct system.